Book launch: 'Agor Y Gair Gyda Mari' (Opening the Word with Mary)

Mary Jones' trip to Bala Inspires Book for Women

A new book, written by women for women, was launched by Bible Society at the National Eisteddfod in Abergavenny on Wednesday August 3.

Inspired by the journey of Mary Jones, who saved for 6 years and walked 26 miles to buy a Welsh Bible from the Reverend Thomas Charles in Bala, Agor y Gair gyda Mari encourages readers to follow Mary’s path. With a reading chosen each day for 26 days, representing the 26 miles of that journey accompanied by beautiful images of the local landscape, each section includes a reflection on a particular topic related to the journey as well as the Bible passage and a prayer.

24 women in all have contributed to Agor y Gair gyda Mari. The publication is the result of a joint project between the Bible Society and women drawn from a wide variety of churches and organizations in Wales.

Christine Daniel, Head of the Bible Society in Wales and one of the editors of the volume said:

'We are very pleased to launch this book. Mary Jones was a very special young lady and an inspiration to many of us. In this book we wanted to celebrate her achievement, determination and faith and use it to help women in their everyday life.

We encouraged our participants to use their own voice and the result reflects women from all over Wales, of all ages, fluent Welsh speakers and learners.'

The book was launched at a special event in the Cytûn (Churches Together in Wales) Tent at the National Eisteddfod in Abergavenney at the beginning of August where contributors read extracts from the book and guests were given a chance to hear more about the history of Mary Jones and her journey.

Agor y Gair gyda Mari can be purchased online at the Bible Society shop or from the Mary Jones World shop in Llanycil near Bala.